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Chapter 2The Pretravel ConsultationCounseling & Advice for Travelers

Injury Prevention

David A. Sleet, David J. Ederer, Michael F. Ballesteros

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability in the world, and they are the leading cause of preventable death in travelers. An estimated 18%–24% of deaths among travelers in foreign countries are caused by injuries, compared with only 2% of deaths caused by infectious diseases. Contributing to the injury toll while traveling are unfamiliar and perhaps risky environments, differences in language and communications, less stringent product safety and vehicle standards, unfamiliar rules and regulations, and a carefree holiday or vacation spirit leading to more risk-taking behavior.

In 2013 and 2014, an estimated 1,670 US citizens died from nonnatural causes, such as injuries and violence, while in foreign countries (excluding deaths occurring in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan). Motor vehicle crashes—not crime or terrorism—are the number 1 killer of healthy US citizens living, working, or traveling overseas. In 2013 and 2014, 456 Americans died in road traffic crashes abroad (27% of nonnatural deaths). Another 350 were victims of homicide (21%), 286 committed suicide (17%), and 220 drowned (13%) (Figure 2-02).

If a traveler is seriously injured in a foreign country, emergency care may not be available or acceptable by US standards. Trauma centers capable of providing optimal care for serious injuries are uncommon outside urban areas in many foreign destinations. Travelers should be aware of the increased risk of certain injuries while traveling or residing abroad, particularly in developing countries, and be prepared to take preventive steps.

Figure 2-02. Leading causes of injury death for US citizens in foreign countries, 2013 & 20141,2

2 Excludes deaths of US citizens fighting wars in Afghanistan or Iraq, and deaths that were not reported to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES

Globally, an estimated 3,300 people, including 720 children, are killed each day in road traffic crashes involving cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, and pedestrians. Annually, 1.24 million are killed and 20–50 million are injured in traffic crashes—a number likely to double by 2030. Although only 53% of the world’s vehicles are in developing countries, more than 90% of road traffic casualties occur in these countries.

According to US Department of State data, road traffic crashes are the leading cause of injury deaths to US citizens while abroad (Figure 2-02). Motorcycle use is a risk factor for road traffic crashes; in 2013 and 2014, approximately 20% of road traffic deaths while abroad involved motorcycles. Road deaths per million trips are highest in Thailand and Vietnam, and most American deaths were related to motorcycle use in these countries. The reported rate of motorbike injuries in Bermuda is much higher in tourists than in the local population, and the rate is highest among those aged 50–59 years. Motor vehicle rentals for tourists in Bermuda and some other small Caribbean islands are typically limited to motorbikes, possibly contributing to the higher rates of motorbike injuries. Loss of vehicular control, unfamiliar equipment, and inexperience with motorized 2-wheelers contribute to crashes and injuries, even at speeds <30 miles per hour.

Road traffic crashes are common among foreign travelers for a number of reasons: lack of familiarity with the roads, driving on the opposite side of the road, lack of seat belt use, the influence of alcohol, poorly made or maintained vehicles, travel fatigue, poor road surfaces without shoulders, unprotected curves and cliffs, and poor visibility due to lack of adequate lighting. In many developing countries, unsafe roads and vehicles and an inadequate transportation infrastructure contribute to the traffic injury problem. In many of these countries, motor vehicles often share the road with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle users. The mix of traffic including cars, buses, taxis, rickshaws, large trucks, and even animals increases the risk for crashes and injuries.

Strategies to reduce the risk of traffic injury are shown in Table 2-13. The Association for International Road Travel (www.asirt.org) and Make Roads Safe (www.fiafoundation.org/our-work/road-safety) have useful safety information for international travelers, including road safety checklists and country-specific driving risks. The Department of State has safety information useful to international travelers, including road safety and security alerts, international driving permits, and travel insurance (www.travel.state.gov).

Table 2-13. Recommended strategies to reduce injuries while abroad

MECHANISM OR TYPE OF INJURY

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Road Traffic Crashes

Lack of seat belts and child safety seats

Always use safety belts and child safety seats. Rent vehicles with seat belts; when possible, ride in taxis with seat belts and sit in the rear seat; bring child safety seats and booster seats from home for children to ride properly restrained.

Driving hazards

When possible, avoid driving at night in developing countries; always pay close attention to the correct side of the road when driving in countries that drive on the left.

Country-specific driving hazards

Check the Association for Safe International Road Travel website for driving hazards or risks by country (www.asirt.org).

Motorcycles, motorbikes, and bicycles

Always wear helmets (bring a helmet from home, if needed). When possible, avoid driving or riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, including motocycle and motorbike taxis. Traveling overseas is a bad time to learn to drive a motorcycle or motorbike.

Alcohol-impaired driving

Alcohol increases the risk for all causes of injury. Do not drive after consuming alcohol, and avoid riding with someone who has been drinking. Penalties can be severe overseas.

Cellular telephones

Do not use a cellular telephone or text while driving. Many countries have enacted laws banning cellular telephone use while driving, and some countries have made using any kind of telephone, including hands-free, illegal while driving.

Taxis or hired drivers

Ride only in marked taxis, and try to ride in those that have safety belts accessible. Hire drivers familiar with the area.

Bus travel

Avoid riding in overcrowded, overweight, or top-heavy buses or minivans and avoid riding in mountainous terrains, at night, and with a drinking or distracted bus driver.

Pedestrian hazards

Be alert when crossing streets, especially in countries where motorists drive on the left side of the road. Walk with a companion or someone from the host country.

Other Tips

Airplane travel

Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft. If possible, fly on larger planes (>30 seats), in good weather, during the daylight hours, and with experienced pilots. Children <2 years should sit in a child safety seat, not on a parent's lap. Whenever possible, parents should travel with a safety seat for use before, during, and after a plane ride.

Drowning

Avoid swimming alone or in unfamiliar waters. Wear life jackets while boating or during water recreation activities.

Burns

In hotels, stay below the 6th floor to maximize the likelihood of being rescued in case of a fire. Bring your own smoke alarm.

WATER AND AQUATIC INJURIES

In 2013 and 2014, drowning accounted for 13% of all deaths of US citizens abroad. Although risk factors have not been clearly defined, these deaths are most likely related to unfamiliarity with local water currents and conditions, inability to swim, and the absence of lifeguards on duty. Rip currents can be especially dangerous, as are sea animals such as urchins, jellyfish, coral, and sea lice. Alcohol also contributes to drowning and boating mishaps.

Drowning is often the leading cause of injury death to US citizens visiting countries where water recreation is a major activity, such as Fiji, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. Young men are particularly at risk of head and spinal cord injuries from diving into shallow water, and alcohol is a factor in some cases.

Boating can be a hazard, especially if boaters are unfamiliar with the boat, do not know proper boating etiquette or rules for watercraft navigation, or are new to the water environment in a foreign country. In 2013 and 2014, maritime accidents resulted in 16 deaths to healthy Americans abroad. Many boating fatalities result from inexperience or failure to wear lifejackets.

Scuba diving is a frequent pursuit of travelers in coastal destinations. The death rate among all divers worldwide is thought to be 15–20 deaths per 100,000 divers per year. Travelers should either be experienced divers or dive with a reliable dive shop and instructors. See the Scuba Diving section later in this chapter for a more detailed discussion about diving risks and preventive measures.

OTHER UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES

In 2013 and 2014, other unintentional injuries such as aviation incidents, drug-related incidents, natural disasters, and deaths classified as “other unintentional injuries” (including fires and falls) accounted for 19% of deaths to healthy US citizens abroad. Fires can be a substantial risk in developing countries where building codes do not exist or are not enforced, there are no smoke alarms, there is no access to emergency services, and the fire department’s focus is on putting out fires rather than on fire prevention or victim rescue.

In 2013 and 2014, an estimated 50 US citizens abroad were killed in aircraft crashes. Travel by local, lightweight aircraft in many countries can be risky. Travel on unscheduled flights, in small aircraft, at night, in inclement weather, and with inexperienced pilots carries the highest risk.

Before flying with children, parents and caregivers should check to make sure that their child restraint system is approved for use on an aircraft. This approval should be printed on the system’s information label or on the device itself. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that a child weighing <20 pounds use a rear-facing child restraint system. A forward-facing child safety seat should be used for children weighing 20–40 pounds. FAA has also approved a harness-type device for children weighing 22–44 pounds.

TRAVEL TIPS

Travelers may wish to purchase special travel health and medical evacuation insurance if their destinations include countries where there may not be access to good medical care (see the Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance, & Medical Evacuation Insurance section later in this chapter).

Travelers should avoid using local, unscheduled, small aircraft and refrain if possible from flying in bad weather and at night. If available, choose larger aircraft (>30 seats), as they are more likely to have undergone more strict and regular safety inspections. Larger aircraft also provide more protection in the event of a crash. For country-specific airline crash events, see www.airsafe.com.

When traveling by air with young children, consider bringing a child safety seat approved for use on an aircraft, helmets if considering riding bicycles or motorbikes, and life preservers if travelers will be in the water.

To prevent fire-related injuries, travelers should select accommodations no higher than the sixth floor (fire ladders generally cannot reach higher than the sixth floor). Hotels should be checked for smoke alarms and preferably sprinkler systems. Travelers may want to bring their own smoke alarm. Two escape routes from buildings should always be identified. Crawling low under smoke and covering one’s mouth with a wet cloth are helpful in escaping a fire. Families should agree on a meeting place outside the building in case a fire erupts.

Improperly vented heating devices may cause poisoning from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) at the back of boats near the engine can be especially dangerous. Travelers may want to carry a personal CO detector that can sound an alert in the presence of this lethal gas.

Travelers should consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel overseas with another person. Travelers should bring a travel health kit, which should be customized to the anticipated itinerary and activities.